CENTRAL POINT, OR – Dogs for Better Lives (DBL) was recently selected as one of thirteen nonprofits in Oregon to be highlighted in The Oregonian’s prestigious Season of Sharing campaign. DBL learned of the nomination in late July, and in late September found out that the campaign’s board had selected DBL out of more than 60 applicants state-wide.
“The Oregonian’s Season of Sharing campaign looks for nonprofits that have a deep impact in their communities, but could use a little fundraising push,” stated Oregonian’s Manager Producer, Life Culture, Grant Butler. “Dogs for Better Lives is a perfect example of a charity that helps Oregonians in need on a daily basis.”
DBL was featured this past Sunday, November 13th, on the front page of The Oregonian. The article highlighted a story on Rosa Ochoa, her son Julian, and their Autism Assistance Dog Vanilla. Program staff with their dogs in training and CEO Bryan Williams were included as well.
“Participating in the interview for The Oregonian’s Season of Sharing was a great experience,” stated Rosa Ochoa. “I hope by sharing my experience, it will help to further spread awareness of what DBL can offer, while bettering the lives of kids like my Julian.”
Dogs for Better Lives currently places a $54,000 value on each Assistance Dog placed, which the client does not pay. Dogs for Better Lives has a lifelong commitment to each dog placed with a client, including the career change (non-graduating) dogs that all find forever homes. All funds that support Dogs for Better Lives and each dog they place comes from private donations in Oregon, nationally, and even internationally.
Copy of The Oregonian’s front page from November 13, 2022.November 13th.
“This selection and recognition with the Oregonian’s esteemed Season of Sharing campaign is quite an honor,” stated CEO Bryan Williams. “We appreciate the in-depth approach that Janet Eastman and the Oregonian took in sharing our important story.”
The Oregonian has set up a gofundme page to support Dogs for Better Lives’ mission and their participation in this year’s Season of Sharing campaign, which can be found here.
“This is such a wonderful accolade bestowed upon Dogs for Better Lives,” stated board chair, Dr. Danielle Rose. “And certainly, would not be possible without the amazing synergy and collaboration amongst staff, board, donors, and community volunteers.”
Dogs for Better Lives’ mission is to professionally train dogs to help people and enhance lives while maintaining a lifelong commitment to all dogs the national nonprofit rescues or breeds and the people they serve. As an award-winning nonprofit, DBL is focused on rescuing, breeding, professionally training, and nationally placing Assistance Dogs at no cost to clients. Since 1977, DBL has placed more than 1,600 dogs across the United States, encompassing their three programs; Hearing, Autism, and Facility Dogs.
In early 2020, DBL announced that 100% of donations were going towards programmatic services, and this approach still applies today. Thanks to the generosity of our Guardian Society donors over the years, the annual interest from DBL’s endowment of more than $10.2M, will cover administrative overhead and fundraising moving forward. The Guardian Society is made up of donors that have placed DBL in their estate plans and committed to supporting the organization upon their death.
This is a model that more and more top tier nonprofits are moving towards, upon
hearing from donors, that they wish to see their philanthropic support going directly towards key programs that align with the organization’s mission,” stated Vice President of Development, Harvey Potts. “Understanding that administrative overhead and fundraising for the mission is also critical to what DBL does, paying for it is just as important.”Chandra (black Lab), watches patiently as Kayla Galvan trains Huey (Matese mix) in Central Point, OR. [The Oregonian, Mike Zacchino]
Beyond financial support, DBL relies heavily on its volunteer army of dedicated individuals who serve in several capacities, including national board, regional advisory boards, breeder caretakers, and puppy raisers, among other opportunities. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at DBL, visit the Get Involved section on the website.
Photo Credit: Top Page – Rosa, Julian (son), joined by Autism Assistance Dog Vanilla in Medford, OR. [The Oregonian, Mike Zacchino]
